Spring 2021 REPORT
Supporting Innovation and Resilience
As we reflect now on all that’s changed since last March, not only due to COVID, but also to the resounding demands for racial justice last summer, we are immensely proud of the resilience and innovation of our grantees, donors, partners, and community members, and inspired by the amount of work they’ve accomplished.
Through that resilience and innovation, last year resulted in the largest grantmaking year in our history, with more than $102 million provided in financial support to thousands of organizations in our region.
Stories of Impact
Creating Opportunities for the Arts to Flourish
Arts organizations and those employed in the arts have been particularly impacted by the economic strain of the coronavirus pandemic over the last year.
Through the COVID-19 Arts and Creative Community Assistance Fund — a collaboration of the Community Foundation, other foundations, and CultureSource — five organizations recently received support for projects to creatively connect with audiences.
Promoting the Well-Being of Older Adults and Caregivers
Like nonprofits in other sectors, caregiver organizations have made changes to their health care delivery and business models to ensure the health and safety of the individuals they serve.
Organizations are implementing or expanding existing telehealth services, establishing mobile food banks, and collecting digital devices like laptops and iPads to provide isolated seniors with opportunities to connect with loved ones. New grants are supporting these efforts to ensure our caregivers and older adults are properly cared for.
Advancing Racial Justice Projects Through Youth Development and Community Journalism
Over the course of the events last summer, we witnessed a strong rallying cry for racial justice throughout the country. We know that young people have a voice, but in matters of education and public policy, those voices often go unheard.
The students of our Youth Advisory Council took action, recommending several grants to organizations supporting youth leadership programs focused on racial justice.
A Tribute to Joe Hudson, Founder of the Community Foundation
The Community Foundation was saddened to learn that Joseph L. Hudson Jr. passed away peacefully at his home on December 2, 2020.
As we reflect on Hudson’s legacy and accomplishments, we are inspired, honored, and grateful for his innovation and leadership. He challenged us to think bigger, be better, and to always keep sight of our mission to serve.